Are you a mother? Grandmother? Caregiver? Elderly? Young? Stressed to the max?

Do you, as I do, find it difficult—impossible—to visit everyone you need to? Are your daily task  lists getting longer instead of shorter?

Does a day’s end find you longing for a Days Inn to seek refuge?

Two months ago my husband and I found ourselves locked into schedules even a younger person could not handle. Guilt weighed heavy on our shoulders and we were burdened for those we had no time to care for.

We began daily asking God to make our appointments for us; to literally put us where we needed to be, when we needed to be there in order to follow His schedule for our lives.

At the same time, we looked at our calendars and realized some “important” commitments could be adjusted, if not eliminated. We waited for God to show us His plan.  As I reflect on this day (Sunday) I realize it  paints a vivid picture of God’s plan versus our plan.

My husband, Russell, is Director of Missions in Dallas County (MO). This morning as he supplied the pulpit in one of our churches, we learned one of their members was admitted to the hospital, in ICU with heart problems and would welcome a minister’s visit.

Choosing to go the hospital after church meant we had to cancel plans to attend an ordination service in another church. This was a young man we had seen grow up and follow the Lord’s leading. We were close to his family and his wife’s family as well; it was a difficult decision.

At the hospital the patient was alone in the room and very pleased to have company and prayer support. Car trouble had left his family stranded on their way to the hospital so Russell’s visit was very timely.

Later, in the cafeteria, we felt sure God had arranged appointments for us:

1.      We met an elderly man and his caregiving daughter and shared some special thoughts with them. We gave her a copy of My Mother My Child followed by tears and hugs as we praised God for His direction.

2.      We both hugged on a senior widow who had suffered two light strokes and needed encouragement from friends. Neither she nor us had been to that restaurant in months but “just happened” to be there at the same time on this day.

3.      I listened and wept with a lady as she confronted some issues regarding a future testimony in her church. As we talked, we prayed for wisdom and God’s direction and His peace in her life. Our lives were both enriched as only friends can be as they share honestly with one another. We vowed to pray specifically for each other on our upcoming ministries.

4.      My husband and another pastor openly shared concerns and praises as they renewed a friendship and recounted how God had been at work in marvelous ways.

We were home in time for a nap before evening church but were too wound up to rest. Off to church now—wonder what God has in store for the rest of our day.

Proverbs 3:5-6 admonishes us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.”

I hope you are allowing God to plan your day. His schedule is amazing!

Hugs,

PS. An old friend “just happened” to show up at church for evening worship—more hugs and laughs and praises! Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter (upper right hand corner of page); I’ll look forward to hearing from you soon.